Hazel Johnston

Hazel E. Johnston, 91, Fargo, ND, died Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Villa Maria in Fargo, surrounded by her loving family. Hazel Isaak was born March 10, 1920 in Kulm, ND to Otto and Otilia (Gackle) Isaak. She was a proud alumnae of North Dakota State University, earning a BS Degree in Teaching. Hazel married John A. Johnston on June 26, 1943 in Fargo, ND. She taught in the Fergus Falls Public Schools and Hill City, MN Public School, and substituted for Fargo Public Schools until retiring in 1984. Hazel volunteered at Fargo and NDSU YWCA, where she served as Auxillary President. She enjoyed singing with the Sweet Adelines for four years and participated in the International Sweet Adelines competition in London, England. She was a Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Alumnae. Hazel is survived by her four daughters, Jill Wilkey, Fargo, ND; Jackee Johnston, Arlee, MT; Chris Hillman, Cape Elizabeth, ME; and Cindy (Dick Mattson) Johnston, Phoenix, AZ; four grandchildren, Jonathan, Rayme, Tanner, and Zachary; her brothers, Howard (Marion) Isaak, Mason City, IA; and Dr. James Oliver, Moorhead, MN; and two sisters, Bernette Gratton, Boise, ID; and June Lauer, Alexander City, AL. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents; one brother, Lamar Isaak. Hazel will always be remembered for her graciousness and respectful dignity. A gift she possessed was her natural ability to play the piano by ear. She enjoyed her time at the lake cottage with her family. Hazel was deeply committed and faithful to Plymouth Congregational Church where she sang in the choir for 24 years. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Plymouth Congregational Church, Villa Maria or Hospice of the Red River Valley. A Memorial Service was held at Villa Maria, Fargo. The family will be hosting a coffee hour after Sunday morning worship at 11:30 AM, March 4, 2012, at Plymouth Congregational UCC, Fargo. Visitation: Monday, March 5, 2012, from 5-7 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo. Private Family Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.